How can we avoid the same mistakes as Ahaz in our leadership? Tracing Ahaz’s Downfall • Read his story in 2 Chronicles 28 and 2 Kings 16. • He shut the temple doors, built pagan altars on every street (2 Chronicles 28:24–25). • He sacrificed his own sons in the fire (2 Kings 16:3). • He trusted Assyria instead of the LORD (2 Kings 16:7–9). • Result: “For the LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz … he had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been unfaithful to the LORD” (2 Chronicles 28:19). Core Warning from 2 Chronicles 28:19 “Unfaithful” (Heb. māʿal) pictures a breach of covenant. When leaders break faith, a whole community suffers (cf. Deuteronomy 28:15; Proverbs 14:34). Leadership Lessons for Today Put God First, Not Human Schemes • Proverbs 3:5-6—trust in the LORD with all your heart. • Psalm 20:7—some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the LORD. • Practical step: before every major decision, pause, pray, and measure it against Scripture. Guard the Worship Life of Those You Lead • Ahaz closed the temple; Hezekiah reopened it (2 Chronicles 29:3). • Hebrews 10:24-25—do not neglect meeting together. • Make corporate worship, Scripture reading, and communion non-negotiables in your sphere of influence. Lead by Example, Not Excuse • 1 Timothy 4:12—“set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.” • Ahaz’s private idols became Judah’s public downfall; your private choices will eventually shape your public leadership. Choose Counsel Anchored in God’s Word • Isaiah confronted Ahaz with a promise (Isaiah 7:3-9), but Ahaz tuned him out. • Psalm 1:1—blessed is the one who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. • Keep advisors who fear God and handle His Word accurately. Stay Sensitive to God’s Discipline • 2 Chronicles 28:22—“In the time of his distress King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD.” • Hebrews 12:5-11—discipline is proof of sonship. • When hardship hits, examine your heart first; repent quickly instead of hardening. Point People to the Ultimate King • Ahaz’s failures set the stage for Messiah’s needful reign (Isaiah 9:6-7). • Every act of faithful leadership should spotlight Jesus, the flawless King (Colossians 1:18). Summary Checklist ✓ Seek God before strategies. ✓ Keep worship central. ✓ Model holiness privately and publicly. ✓ Surround yourself with biblically grounded counsel. ✓ Receive correction humbly. ✓ Direct hearts toward Christ, not yourself. |
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